Audio: 5th Annual Live Reading of A Christmas Carol

December 19, 2010 by Douglas E. Welch

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 1:24:16 — 77.2MB) | Embed

Tonight marked our 5th Annual LIVE Reading of Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol. We had some new voices this year and had a great time as usual. You can listen to the entire show using the link below.

Consider having your own reading of A Christmas Carol, or other favorite story, as a way to gather friends together and share a unique experience. You don’t have to broadcast it like we do, but why not share it with the world!

This year’s show was sponsored by WelchWrite.com, Eclipse-1 Media and New Media Interchange.

Listen to 5th Annual Live Reading of A Christmas Carol

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Enjoy more Christmas Carol in your own home!

Free download of “A Christmas Carol” – Text/ePub/HTML/Kindle versions available

Free download of our reading script of “A Christmas Carol” – PDF format

The audio CD of Patrick Stewart’s one man version of A Christmas Carol is absolutely amazing. We saw the show several times here in LA and met Patrick one evening. His version of “A Christmas Carol” was the driving factor in starting our own yearly reading of the story.

More “A Christmas Carol” on Amazon.com

Audio: Douglas speaks to the Independent Filmmakers of the Inland Empire

December 18, 2010 by Douglas E. Welch

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (29.1MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

On December 15, 2010 I had the pleasure of speaking to the Independent Filmmakers of the Inland Empire on their 1st Anniversary. I talked about how they could use New Media to expose and support their work using New Media tools and also by using the group as a consortium were everyone benefits from each other’s success.

Listen to “Douglas speaks to the Independent Filmmakers of the Inland Empire” (31 mins)

New Media Gift Guide #14: Deluxe Cardioid Stereo Lapel Microphones

December 9, 2010 by Douglas E. Welch

#14 Deluxe Cardioid Stereo Lapel Microphones

I have a set of microphones very similar to these and I find them invaluable for getting great, close mic’d sound for my videos. Since it has 2 microphones, it is great for recording interviews, too.

All Gift Guide Recommendations:

New Media Gift Guide #12: Apple iPod Nano

November 30, 2010 by Douglas E. Welch

#12 Apple iPod Nano

If you are creating podcasts, you probably listen to them a lot, too. I have been looking for a replacement for my old iPod Video 30GB. Looking back I realize I never really used it to watch much video but I still have a need to hold a bunch of podcasts. I listen a lot in the car, probably more than I listen to the radio. I think the new iPod Nano might meet my needs. The size would certainly make it easier to carry around and I think 16GB of storage would be plenty, based on my current list of shows waiting to be listened to..

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New Media Gift Guide #11: LED Video Light Panel

November 23, 2010 by Douglas E. Welch

#11 LED Video Light Panel

Almost every New Media video project can use better lighting and LED lighting panels are one way to get it. These panels of various size can be mounted on your camera or stands to provide just the light you need. Even better, LED units don’t throw off the sometime tremendous heat of traditional video lighting.

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New Media Gift Guide #10: Blue Microphones Yeti USB Microphone

November 20, 2010 by Douglas E. Welch

#10 Blue Microphones Yeti USB Microphone

I was reading the Podcasters mailing list this week and saw mention the the Blue Snowball mic I mentioned earlier is being discontinued. This new USB microphone, the Yeti, is taking its place in the product line and has some good reviews. One major enhancement is the inclusion of an headphone jack to allow real-time monitoring when you are recording. This is a limitation of USB mics in that trying to monitor them through the computer induces a delay in the audio and makes it nearly impossible to listen to yourself while you record.

Certainly worth checking it out and I plan on doing that as soon as I can.

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New Media Gift Guide # 9: Rode VideoMic Directional Video Condenser Microphone

November 18, 2010 by Douglas E. Welch

# 9 Rode VideoMic Directional Video Condenser Microphone

Audio is more than half of your New Media presentations. Even if the video is a bit jerky or grainy, most viewers are willing to struggle through if the content is good. On the other hand, bad audio can cause your viewers to “change the channel” without hesitation. Step up your new media production with this shotgun directional microphone. This type of microphone helps to knock out extraneous noise and allow you to place your camera further from your subject without sacrificing audio quality.

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New Media Gift Guide # 8: Apple Final Cut Express Video Editing Software

November 16, 2010 by Douglas E. Welch

# 8 Apple Final Cut Express Video Editing Software

While Apple’s iMovie is quite functional for creating most podcasts and web shows, there will come a time when you will want (or need) to step up to a more fully-featured video editing system. Final Cut Express gives a place to grow without hitting your pocketbook as hard as the complete Final Cut Express suite.

I regularly move back and forth between iMovie and Final Cut Express, depending on the project. One typical use is when I want to sync externally recorded audio with video I shot in a noisy environment or in a situation when I needed to position the camera too far away to capture decent audio.

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New Media Gift Guide # 7: GoPro HD HERO Camera – Wearable 1080p HD Video and Still Photo Camera

November 14, 2010 by Douglas E. Welch

# 7 GoPro HD HERO Camera – Wearable 1080p HD Video and Still Photo Camera

My friend, Ric Turner, introduced me to this HD camera. It is specially designed for capturing your outdoor adventures in full 1080p HD glory. It comes with a waterproof casing and it can stand up to some extreme abuse. There are mounts for your mountain bike, safety helmet and even your surf board, if you are so inclined. the quality of the video is amazing and truly bring your viewers along for the ride.

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New Media Gift Guide # 6: Samson C01U Condenser Microphone

November 12, 2010 by Douglas E. Welch

# 6 Samson C01U Condenser Microphone

Another great suggestion for a beginner or intermediate podcaster. This USB mic connects directly to your computer without the need for a mixing board or traditional mic cables. Great sound at a relatively inexpensive price.

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New Media Gift Guide # 4: Blue Snowball Microphone

November 7, 2010 by Douglas E. Welch

# 4 Blue Microphones Snowball USB Microphone

This is one of the first microphones I recommend to anyone looking to begin audio podcasting or looking for a step up in the audio for their video podcasts. As a USB microphone, it doesn’t require a mixing board or cables to use. You simply connect it to any USB port on your computer and start recording.

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New Media Gift Guide # 3: Joby GP1 Gorillapod Flexible Tripod

November 5, 2010 by Douglas E. Welch

# 3 Joby GP1 Gorillapod Flexible Tripod

Whether you are taking stills or video, a tripod always makes your work look better. These portable tripods by Joby give you amazing flexibility, both literally and creatively. With adjustable, bendable legs, you can use the tripod on a table or the ground as you normally would, or wrap the legs around a sign post or tree limb to make use of whatever your environment provides.

These tripods are a great complement to the Flip UtraHD video camera highlighted earlier, but also work with any camera with a standard tripod mount. Those with larger Digital SLR cameras will want to go for the beefier version — Joby GP3 Gorillapod SLR-Zoom Flexible Tripod for Digital SLR Cameras

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Audio: Ghosts of the Internet 2010 now available!

November 4, 2010 by Douglas E. Welch

My friend, Michael Lawshe, from Eclipse-1 Media hosts an annual live reading of Halloween and spooky stories. A recording of this year’s show is now available for your listening pleasure. Everyone in the Welch Family took turns reading a variety of stories from the witches of William Shakepeare’s MacBeth to the haunting words of Edgar Allen Poe.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (97.8MB) | Embed

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Download Ghosts of the Internet 2010 (2 hours)

Recorded Live, Saturday, October 30, 2010 at the Platt Branch of the LA Public Library

New Media Gift Guide # 2: Flip UltraHD Video Camera

November 3, 2010 by Douglas E. Welch

# 2 Flip UltraHD Video Camera

The Flip Cameras are an excellent way for anyone to get started making their own videos for YouTube, Facebook or their own web site. Its small size makes it easy to carry in your pocket or bag so you can pull it out at a moment’s notice. This is a great way to capture those events and great content that just happens to present itself as you make your way through your day.

The Flip UltraHD is the latest version of the Flip and includes 2 hours of recording time.

All Gift Guide Recommendations:

# 1 Zoom H1 Handy Portable Digital Recorder

New Media Gift Guide # 1: Zoom H1 Handy Portable Digital Recorder

November 2, 2010 by Douglas E. Welch

# 1 Zoom H1 Handy Portable Digital Recorder

Capturing great audio for your New Media projects can be even more important that capturing good video The Zoom H1 Portable Digital Recorder makes capturing great audio easy and inexpensive for almost everyone.

Dual microphones bring in high-fidelity in a small package and MiniSD card recording allows you to easily swap in a new card when you need more recording time out in the field. The easy-to-read display with active metering makes it clear when you are recording and how well you have set your levels. Also includes includes external mix input for use with lavaliere and shotgun microphones with 1/8″ audio plug connectors.

All Gift Guide Recommendations:

# 1 Zoom H1 Handy Portable Digital Recorder

Flip Video Cameras – 3 Current Models

October 26, 2010 by Douglas E. Welch

I have added the 3 current Flip Camera models to the WelchWrite store. I have the Flip MinoHD and really like it. I carry it everywhere I go and it makes it easy to grab whatever happens while I am out and about.

The Flip UltraHD adds 2 hours of recording time, a removable battery and image stabilization.

Check out all the Flip models and I think you will find one that is right for you!

Amazon.com Widgets

Flip MinoHD | Flip UltraHD | Flip SlideHD

You’ll find these products and more, with user reviews, tech specs and more in the WelchWrite Store in association with Amazon.com

Radio Show: Adventurize Your Mid-Life

October 25, 2010 by Douglas E. Welch

My fellow New Media Mastermind member, Tracy Pattin, produces this excellent weekly radio show on “Adventurizing your Mid-Life.” Check it out for great ideas and great guests each Wednesday at 1pm Pacific Time. — Douglas

Adventurize Your Midlife with Tracy Pattin and Lisa Greenfield

Date / Time: 10/27/2010 1:00 PM
Category: Self Help
Call-in Number: (347) 838-8845

Listen to internet radio with AdventurizeYourLife on Blog Talk Radio

Co-hosts Tracy Pattin (SizzleintheMiddle.com) and Lisa Greenfield (TruthinHand.com) talk to Author/ Relationship Expert, Barbara Berg this Wednesday, October 27th, 2010 at 1pm.

Of course Tracy and Lisa share insights and adventures from their own lives to inspire YOU to get out there and adventurize!

Upcoming Episodes
11/3/2010 1:00 PM – Adventurize Your Midlife
11/10/2010 1:00 PM – Adventurize Your Midlife
11/17/2010 1:00 PM – Adventurize Your Midlife

They have Author/ Relationship Expert, Barbara Berg this Wednesday, October 26th, 2010 at 1pm.

Listen to the show live or listen to past shows

Question: Live Streaming – What do I need?

October 22, 2010 by Douglas E. Welch

I get a lot of questions every day and here is a one from today — via email.

Q: I have some questions about live video streaming. They may seem silly since I am just learning my way around podcasting. We are getting ready to purchase a flipcam and microphone. Will this be enough to do a live webcast? Any direction would be helpful.

A: For live streaming you will need built-in laptop webcam, a detachable USB webcam or standard camcorder with a Firewire connection (most have these). The Flip will not work as a streaming camera. It only functions as a camcorder.

I typically use my old Digital8 Camcorder as my live streaming source but any of the above will work fine. A camcorder brings the added benefit of better optics and a zoom lens.

Choose whatever you have or whatever best fits you needs.

Any microphone you can connect to your computer, either directly via USB or through a USB mixing board, will work for the live stream. I have used my Blue Snowball mic, set in Omnidirectional mode to stream live shows. It seems to capture the “room sound” quite well. You can also pull audio off the house sound mixer, if you have that option.

Let me know if there are any other questions I can answer.

Do you have a question? Why not drop me a line? Use the Comments link above, send email to me@douglasewelch.com or call the voice mail line at 818-804-5049

Video: Making the Case for Using Media for e-Learning

October 18, 2010 by Douglas E. Welch

This talk was part for the eLearning Guild’s Online Forum 2010.

Making the Case for Using Media for e-Learning

The physical and creative aspects of media are easier than ever before, but sometimes there are those people that must be sold on the usefulness of using media for e-Learning. It always pays to ask “Why?” about any use of technology, and New Media is no exception.

Participants in this session will learn the many reasons why companies and individuals should be using media. The intimacy, ease of delivery, and information richness of New Media puts it far above the all other methods. When used in combination with text and graphics, audio and video enhance learning in a variety of ways. This session will give you the “ammunition” to sell the use of media to your management.

In this session, you will learn:

Why New Media and why now?

How audio and video enhance the learning experience

How you can “sell” New Media to your management

How your learners can best be served by delivering information via media

Making the case for new media in e-Learning

View more webinars from Douglas Welch.

Listen to “Making the Case for Using Media for e-Learning”

Audio: Making the Case for Using Media for e-Learning

October 15, 2010 by Douglas E. Welch

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (67.9MB) | Embed

Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | RSS

This talk was part for the eLearning Guild’s Online Forum 2010. A Slidecast and video are coming soon.

Making the Case for Using Media for e-Learning

The physical and creative aspects of media are easier than ever before, but sometimes there are those people that must be sold on the usefulness of using media for e-Learning. It always pays to ask “Why?” about any use of technology, and New Media is no exception.

Participants in this session will learn the many reasons why companies and individuals should be using media. The intimacy, ease of delivery, and information richness of New Media puts it far above the all other methods. When used in combination with text and graphics, audio and video enhance learning in a variety of ways. This session will give you the “ammunition” to sell the use of media to your managment.

In this session, you will learn:

Why New Media and why now?

How audio and video enhance the learning experience

How you can “sell” New Media to your management

How your learners can best be served by delivering information via media

Listen to “Making the Case for Using Media for e-Learning”

Download slides for “Making the Case for Using Media for e-Learning”

Careers in New Media

Helping to Build New Careers in New Media

Category Archives: New Media

Audio: 5th Annual Live Reading of A Christmas Carol

Audio: Douglas speaks to the Independent Filmmakers of the Inland Empire

New Media Gift Guide #14: Deluxe Cardioid Stereo Lapel Microphones

New Media Gift Guide #12: Apple iPod Nano

New Media Gift Guide #11: LED Video Light Panel

New Media Gift Guide #10: Blue Microphones Yeti USB Microphone

New Media Gift Guide # 9: Rode VideoMic Directional Video Condenser Microphone

New Media Gift Guide # 8: Apple Final Cut Express Video Editing Software

New Media Gift Guide # 7: GoPro HD HERO Camera – Wearable 1080p HD Video and Still Photo Camera

New Media Gift Guide # 6: Samson C01U Condenser Microphone

New Media Gift Guide # 4: Blue Snowball Microphone

New Media Gift Guide # 3: Joby GP1 Gorillapod Flexible Tripod

Audio: Ghosts of the Internet 2010 now available!

New Media Gift Guide # 2: Flip UltraHD Video Camera

New Media Gift Guide # 1: Zoom H1 Handy Portable Digital Recorder

Flip Video Cameras – 3 Current Models

Radio Show: Adventurize Your Mid-Life

Question: Live Streaming – What do I need?

Video: Making the Case for Using Media for e-Learning

Audio: Making the Case for Using Media for e-Learning